The name Kutchinsky is not very well known in the jewelry world in the US, but it should be. The firm of Kutchinsky in London has produced beautiful and very high-quality jewelry since the 1890's, although they are best known for pieces produced from the 1930's on. They have been called "the David Webb of London". The firm is a very old one. They existed in Poland for a very long time, and they were very prestigious there, where they had made jewelry for King Ludwig of Bavaria.
Joseph Kutchinsky was born in 1914, the youngest of four children. His grandfather had emigrated from Poland with his family and started a jewelry company in London's East End. Joseph left school when he was only 14 to enter the family jewelry business - he was, at this young age, already a proficient diamond cutter. He was smart in addition to being talented, and was quickly put in charge of the firm's production of platinum and diamond watches. He was ambitious, and quickly progressed to more important positions.
In addition to his skills as a jeweler, Joseph also had an engaging personality, and realized that both quality and good service were essential to the growth and prosperity of the company. He was an excellent salesman, an invaluable asset to Kutchinsky.
Joseph married in 1940, just before going off to fight in WW2. When the war over, he returned to the family business. The couple also produced two sons - Roger, in 1945, and Paul, in 1950.
When he returned to the business, there was much to do to re-build after the war. He was among the first jewelers in London to work with platinum, which increased the popularity of their fine jewelry.
Late in the 1950's, due to the decline of London's East End, Joseph made the decision to relocate the business to the more prestigious area of Kinghtsbridge, and they were a great success. They designed and produced very stylish jewelry in gold set with diamonds and precious stones, and also in platinum and diamonds.
After completing their education, Joseph's sons Roger and Paul joined the business, and Kutchinsky was enjoying ever-increasing popularity and prestige. One especially lucrative aspect of their business was export, particularly to the Middle East.
Unfortunately, things changed after the invasion of Kuwait and the ensuing war, and Kutchinsky was now faced serious financial problems. The business was eventually sold to another important London jeweler , Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd. In 1991, and Joseph retired soon after. He passed away in October of 2000.
The firm of Kutchinsky continues under the direction of Mousaieff Jewellers.
